June 2023 The recent flurry of canal modernization attention–water conservation seminars, The Bulletin editorials (and poll) and County Commissioner Patti Adair’s support for our position—probably will not move the needle much in terms of Arnold Irrigation District’s plans to move forward with piping. Forcing AID to take a different tack toward modernizing the main canalContinue reading “SAC Facts—Don’t Believe the Hype on Pipe”
Author Archives: Geoff
The Problem(s) with Pipe
On or around April 8, 2023 there was the break in the newly installed Tumalo Irrigation District pipe. A field welded seam broke in the Taylor NW arm of the pipe that runs under the old Tumalo Reservoir Rd. just east of the intersection with Pinehurst Rd. The previous years piping dead ended there andContinue reading “The Problem(s) with Pipe”
Winter Update
March 24, 2023 Construction Arnold Irrigation District has begun preparation for fall construction of 3 miles of piping on Phase 1. A “Work Zone” has been staked out and trees within it are marked for removal. Phase 1 of the project is the least densely populated with 28 properties, and yet almost 400 large PonderosaContinue reading “Winter Update”
Group of Arnold Irrigation Residents and Patrons Seek Relief, Ask Judge for a Review of Federal Agency Action
BEND, OR – A group of concerned property owners and patrons of the Arnold Irrigation District (AID) have formally sued the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and AID in federal court for authorizing a new modernization project along a historic 12-mile canal in Deschutes County, alleging violations of the National Environmental Policy Act, the WatershedContinue reading “Group of Arnold Irrigation Residents and Patrons Seek Relief, Ask Judge for a Review of Federal Agency Action”
The Last Comment Allowed
Our attorney, Brian Sheets, submitted a letter yesterday evening (9/6) via e-mail to NRCS’s Ron Alvarado and Gary Diridoni. The main body is 4 pages with an additional 30 pages of supporting documentation. Here’s the text: The purpose of the additional 30-day comment period is to allow for new information or claims that issues weren’tContinue reading “The Last Comment Allowed”
Why You Should Oppose the Arnold Irrigation Piping Plan
For over 115 years the Arnold Irrigation District (AID) canal has been a resource for all residents of Deschutes County. The benefits of the canal accrue not only to the agricultural patrons of AID but also to a wider range of residents, wildlife and plants. The proposed piping of Arnold Irrigation Canal should alarm allContinue reading “Why You Should Oppose the Arnold Irrigation Piping Plan”
What Are Your Trees Worth?
Here’s a sample of how trees are valued. This is a simplified version of a professional arborist’s method and is not meant for legal or insurance purposes but it will give you a good idea of what your trees are worth. In this simplified example we’ll use the Trunk Formula Technique (TFT) from the InternationalContinue reading “What Are Your Trees Worth?”
Building a Flume
Bend Bulletin 11 May 1948 Arnold Irrigation district farmers will feel much more secure this season, with a new metal flume carrying water from the Deschutes river to the Arnold ditch. The new flume was rushed to completion this spring by R.P. Syverson, Bend contractor. Standing beside the flume after an inspection of the newContinue reading “Building a Flume”
Measure Your Trees
It’s easy to measure the height of your trees with your arm and a stick. First, measure the distance from your eye (or forehead) to your finger tips with your arm extended at eye height. Mark a stick at that length (or break it to length if it’s too long). With your fingers, hold theContinue reading “Measure Your Trees”
A Brief History of Arnold Irrigation
Excepts from “The Arnold Project”Toni Rae LinenbergerBureau of Reclamation History ProgramDenver, ColoradoResearch on Historic Reclamation Projects1996 Originally, the Deschutes River was known by the Klamath tribe as, Kolamkeni Koke, or “place where the wild root kolam grows.” Many years later Lewis and Clark, referred to the river by another Indian name Toworenhiooks after sighting itContinue reading “A Brief History of Arnold Irrigation”
Save Arnold Canal 